During the time when we were only supposed to leave the house for survival, I discovered a mystical apparatus in my kitchen. This device heats at a slower pace than the microwave and has 4 circles that become hot when a dial is turned. Through mystical alchemy vegetables, rice, and other items can be combined, heated, and turned into a dish to eat that does not come from a box or a can.
Who knew most kitchens were equipped with this magickal device, called a stove? There is an ancient initiatory art called cooking that uses this working tool? Doesn’t each fast food restaurant have a resident magician to conjures food for people to buy?
When restaurants went to take out only and he who toils endlessly needed to toil a little less, I my dear readers became a reluctant initiate into the order of people who try to cook. In my journey I have discovered my twenty year old copy of Vegetarian Times Complete Cookbook is worth its weight in gold. (Thank you, relative who gifted it to me.) Through trial and error, I have made the below discoveries.
Always Allow More Time Than You Think You Need
A delay in dinner will bring forth a transformation that rivals werewolves at the full moon, as your beloved family members turn into hangry monsters. Also if you feel rushed it gets stressful, so you might miss an important step, and dinner won’t turn out as well.
Leftovers Are an Awesome Lunch
With everyone stuck at home, lunch can be tossing Eggplant Parmesan on a plate and throwing it into the microwave. I used to bring frozen lunches into work. Leftovers are cheaper, healthier, and greener (less waste, no energy to keep them frozen and transport.)
You Can Make A Mistake, And Still Have A Good Meal
Except for the great French onion soup blunder (which he who toils endlessly will never let me forget) you can mess up a recipe and still make something that is perfectly good. Or learn that was a really bad idea. You’re not serving food critics—no one knows this recipe called for an additional layer of cheese you missed because you used up all the cheese too quick. It will still taste good with a minor mistake.
Be Realistic
We may have more time and energy because we are all stuck at home, but that doesn’t mean either is infinite. No one can expect to go from throwing together canned goods to making a gourmet meal overnight. If you want to go all out and make a complicated dish go ahead—but make sure side items can be thrown together quickly. Make a realistic assessment not only of your time, but your motivation to do a more complex dish.
Being Lazy Is OK
Don’t want to cut up onions so you buy a container of diced? As long as you cook it soon. Jar of minced garlic instead of pressing cloves? Just keep it in the fridge. Frozen instead of fresh veggies? It’ll end up in someone’s stomach.
If you can afford to pay someone else to do some of the prep work for you, and it’s the difference between cooking and opening a can—do it. No reason to judge.
There Will Be Dishes
Always. It never stops. At least we live in the age of dishwashers. Comfort yourself with knowing there is less waste now that you’re not throwing out takeout containers.
Unless you are. Then bite the bullet and try to cook.
Don’t Be Afraid To Say “Never Again”
Sometimes what looked fine on paper turns out to be more trouble than it is worth. Experiments don’t always turn out well in real life. It doesn’t mean you failed, it just means that isn’t the dish its worth it for you to make.
Try To Make Another Dish With Leftover Ingredients
A lot of times, you can’t buy needed items in the correct amount to just make one dish. Figure out what else you can do with the leftover phyllo dough or lemongrass paste. There are plenty of options.
Have All the Ingredients Out Before your Start Cooking
Nothing breaks your rhythm and throws off your timing than having to yank more items out of the cupboard. Professional chefs take out everything they need and place it in order at their workstation before they start cooking. While cooking at home may not require that level of precision, it still is more efficient to have everything out when you start.
Hopefully someday groups of friends will meet around a campfire and share cooking stories. Until then, stay safe and healthy.